1 answers2025-05-13 01:24:06
Subaru Natsuki, the protagonist of Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, is known for his ability ""Return by Death,"" which causes him to respawn at a set point in time after dying. As a result, Subaru has died dozens of times throughout the series, with the exact number varying depending on whether you refer to the Web Novel (WN), Light Novel (LN), or anime adaptation.
Here’s a breakdown of Subaru’s confirmed and estimated deaths across major arcs:
Arc-by-Arc Death Count (Approximate):
Arc 1 (Meeting Emilia):
Web Novel / Light Novel: 3 deaths
Arc 2 (Roswaal Manor):
Web Novel / Light Novel: 4 deaths
Arc 3 (Royal Selection / White Whale):
Web Novel: 6 deaths
Light Novel: 5 deaths
Arc 4 (Sanctuary):
Web Novel / Light Novel: 8 deaths
Arc 5 (City Invasion):
Web Novel / Light Novel: 4 deaths
Arc 6 (Library / Pleiades Watchtower):
Web Novel / Light Novel: 7 deaths
Arc 7 (Chaosflame and Vollachia):
Web Novel only so far: Hundreds (estimated)
Due to a 10-second looping checkpoint and continuous trial sequences, Subaru dies repeatedly—sometimes multiple times per minute. Though no official count exists, fan estimates place his deaths in the hundreds or more during this arc alone.
Total Estimated Deaths
By the end of Arc 6, Subaru has died approximately 30–35 times, depending on the source. With Arc 7’s extreme looping, his total death count likely exceeds 300 or more, making him one of the most frequently ""killed"" protagonists in anime and light novel history.
Why the Number Varies
The exact count is not canonically confirmed and varies between the Web Novel, Light Novel, and anime.
Some deaths are brief or off-screen, while others happen in unseen loops, especially in Arc 7.
The series emphasizes emotional impact over numerical tracking, focusing on how Subaru’s experiences shape him over time.
In summary: Subaru Natsuki has canonically died at least 35 times, with the true number likely surpassing 300, especially in Arc 7. This staggering total highlights the emotional and psychological weight behind his power—Return by Death is not a gift, but a curse.
3 answers2025-05-07 14:46:55
I’ve stumbled across some incredible 'Re:Zero' fanfics that dive deep into Subaru and Otto’s bond, transforming it into something beautifully romantic. One story had them stranded in a blizzard, forced to rely on each other for survival. The tension was palpable—Otto’s quiet strength balancing Subaru’s chaotic energy. Their banter turned into heartfelt confessions, and the slow burn felt so natural. Another fic explored Otto’s insecurities about being overshadowed by Subaru’s larger-than-life personality, but Subaru’s unwavering support helped him see his own worth. The emotional depth in these stories is stunning, showing how their friendship evolves into a love built on trust and mutual respect.
2 answers2025-05-07 09:37:51
As a fan of 'Re:Zero', I’ve spent countless hours exploring fanfics that delve into the heart-wrenching yet uplifting love story of Subaru and Rem. One standout is 'Crimson Snow', which reimagines their bond in a world where Rem never loses her memories. The story beautifully captures her unwavering devotion and Subaru’s struggle to balance his feelings for her with his lingering attachment to Emilia. The author masterfully weaves in moments of vulnerability, like Rem’s quiet fears of being second-best, and Subaru’s guilt over not being able to fully reciprocate her love. The narrative is rich with emotional depth, exploring themes of self-worth, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of unconditional love. What makes this fic special is how it stays true to the characters while giving them room to grow. Rem’s resilience shines brighter than ever, and Subaru’s journey to truly appreciate her feels earned and heartfelt. The story also introduces new challenges, like a mysterious curse that threatens to tear them apart, adding layers of tension and drama. The bittersweet moments are balanced with tender scenes, like Subaru finally confessing his feelings in a quiet, snow-covered forest. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading, reminding you why Rem’s love for Subaru is so iconic.
Another gem is 'Echoes of the Heart', which explores an alternate timeline where Subaru and Rem build a life together after escaping the chaos of the royal selection. The fic delves into their domestic life, showing how they navigate the challenges of raising a family while still dealing with the scars of their past. Rem’s quiet strength and Subaru’s determination to protect her are portrayed with such authenticity that it feels like a natural extension of the original story. The author also introduces new characters, like their children, who add a fresh dynamic to their relationship. The story doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their journey, like Subaru’s lingering trauma from his countless deaths, but it also highlights the healing power of love and family. The ending is both hopeful and poignant, leaving readers with a sense of closure and a renewed appreciation for their bond. These fanfics not only capture the essence of Subaru and Rem’s tragic yet hopeful love story but also expand on it in ways that feel both meaningful and satisfying.
3 answers2025-05-20 11:25:49
I’ve noticed 'Re:Zero' fanfics often amplify Subaru and Emilia’s suffering to force brutal introspection. One recurring theme is Subaru’s 'Return by Death' becoming a shared curse—Emilia gains fragmented memories of his loops, forcing her to confront his sacrifices. Stories might depict her discovering his pain through visions or accidental mind-links, shattering her idealistic worldview. The best fics don’t just torture them; they show Emilia dissecting her privilege as a half-elf while Subaru unravels his hero complex. A standout fic had Emilia trapped in a loop where she repeatedly fails to save him, mirroring his helplessness. Their growth isn’t linear—relapses into distrust or self-loathing feel raw. Some writers pit them against twisted versions of each other, like a 'what if' where Emilia abandons kindness or Subaru embraces nihilism. Physical scars often symbolize emotional ones—Emilia’s ice magic backfires with grief, or Subaru’s body deteriorates despite looping. The most compelling arcs let them heal together, like Emilia teaching him to ask for help or Subaru helping her voice insecurities without Puck’s influence.
3 answers2025-05-20 20:56:20
Slow-burn fics for Emilia and Subaru in 'Re:Zero' often mirror canon’s emotional hurdles. I’ve seen writers expand their arc by having Subaru confront Return by Death’s psychological toll—Emilia notices his subtle trauma during royal selection prep, leading to quiet library talks that bloom into trust. One standout fic had them rebuilding Puck’s bond first, with Emilia learning to rely on Subaru emotionally before romantically. Another wove their romance through political tension, where Subaru’s strategies impress the nobles, making Emilia see him as an equal. The pacing feels natural, with stolen glances during campfire stories or Subaru teaching her human customs, like sharing mittens in the snow. These stories nail the ‘almosts’—Emilia nearly confessing during a star-gazing lesson, interrupted by Beatrice’s sarcastic remark.
3 answers2025-02-12 13:33:58
This book was an absolute delight! Haven't you ever dreamed of what makes those actors actually leave a stage? It's a must-read for aficionados of the Great White Way.
A quirky Broadway actress Georgia, and Bram--who fits the bill for stoic, macho stereotype male to a tee--broadcast sparks of attraction. This book is funny, touching, and you can't put it down again till the end. A lovely read for a lazy Saturday morning.
3 answers2025-05-07 04:24:37
Fanfics about 'Re:Zero' often dive deep into the chemistry between Subaru and Beatrice, reimagining their bond with a romantic twist. I’ve seen stories where Beatrice’s tsundere nature softens as she grows to rely on Subaru emotionally, not just as her contractor. One fic had them trapped in a magical library, forced to confront their feelings while solving ancient puzzles. Another explored Beatrice’s past, with Subaru helping her heal from centuries of loneliness, leading to a slow-burn romance. Writers love to play with their banter, turning it into playful teasing that hints at deeper affection. Some fics even have Beatrice taking a more active role in battles, protecting Subaru in ways that highlight her growing attachment. The best ones balance her pride with vulnerability, making their relationship feel earned and heartfelt.
2 answers2025-05-07 18:06:23
As a fan of 'Re: Zero', I’ve noticed that fanfics exploring the slow-burn romance between Subaru and Echidna often take a deeply psychological approach. These stories dive into Echidna’s enigmatic personality, portraying her as a character who is both fascinated by Subaru’s resilience and wary of his emotional vulnerability. Writers often emphasize the tension between her manipulative tendencies and her growing, albeit reluctant, affection for him. The slow-burn aspect is usually built through subtle interactions, like Echidna testing Subaru’s limits in the Sanctuary or offering cryptic advice that gradually reveals her own insecurities.
Many fanfics also explore Subaru’s side of the relationship, focusing on his internal conflict between his loyalty to Emilia and his growing curiosity about Echidna’s true intentions. The romance often unfolds in a way that feels organic, with moments of mutual understanding interspersed with periods of mistrust. Some stories even incorporate time loops creatively, showing how Subaru’s repeated deaths and resets allow him to see different facets of Echidna’s character, deepening their connection over time.
What I find most compelling is how these fanfics balance the darker elements of their relationship with moments of genuine tenderness. Echidna’s cold, calculating nature is often softened by her fascination with Subaru’s humanity, while Subaru’s desperation for answers leads him to rely on her in ways he never expected. The slow-burn dynamic is enriched by the constant push-and-pull between their personalities, making their eventual emotional breakthroughs feel earned and satisfying. For fans of complex, character-driven romance, these stories are a treasure trove of emotional depth and narrative nuance.